E-2D Begins Next Phase of Flight Tests

Northrop Grumman's first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye test aircraft began the next phase of flight testing, performing a test flight in Maryland this week in preparation for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation in 2011. "Since our first flight on Aug. 3, 2007, the joint Advanced Hawkeye team has been putting the aircraft through its paces, and recently passed the 1,000th hour of flight testing," said Jim Culmo, vice president of Airborne Early Warning and Battle Management Command and Control programs for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems sector. "We're looking forward to getting the E-2D out on the aircraft carrier. This next phase -- carrier suitability testing -- brings us that much closer to delivering this revolutionary weapons system to the warfighter." The E-2D will include AN/APY-9 Electronic Scan Array (ESA) radar, Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) system, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), and off-board sensors, all designed to detect, track, and defeat cruise missile threats at extended ranges.